Statement on the Recent Floods in Yola, Adamawa State

We are deeply saddened by the tragic flash floods that have struck several communities in Yola, Adamawa State including Yolde Pate, Shagari, Sabon Pegi, and their surrounding areas, following torrential rainfall in the early hours of today. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to all who have been affected or displaced. We mourn with the people of Yola during this painful time.

We commend the swift action taken by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), particularly in activating its Search and Rescue Team to coordinate emergency response efforts and provide evacuation support. We also recognize and deeply appreciate the resilience and solidarity shown by members of the affected communities who are working together to assist one another in the face of adversity.

These floods are yet another stark reminder of the growing link between extreme weather events and the degradation of our land and ecosystems. Years of deforestation, poor land-use practices, and unchecked urban expansion have weakened the natural systems that help absorb excess rainwater and reduce flood risks. The broader climate crisis continues to amplify these challenges, making such disasters more frequent and more severe.

What we are witnessing today is not just a local emergency, it is part of a global pattern demanding urgent, comprehensive, and collective action. Now more than ever, we need to invest in long-term, nature-based solutions that not only restore degraded land but also build climate resilience and reduce disaster risk across vulnerable communities.

At En Aawa Trees Foundation, we remain committed to working toward sustainable land restoration and community resilience. We welcome partnerships with all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, researchers, and local communities, who are also dedicated to addressing these urgent challenges and co-creating a safer, more sustainable future for all.